DROUGHT AND ENVIRONMENTAL OPINION: A STUDY OF ATTITUDES TOWARD WATER POLICY

<p>Previous research into place effects has provided mixed evidence about the effect of geography on public opinion. Much of the work finding a relationship is susceptible to methodological criticisms of spuriousness or endogeneity. In this paper, I leverage a unique research design to examine the influence of residential setting on environmental attitudes regarding water use. The findings indicate that local drought conditions increase individuals' level of concern about the nation's water supply. In addition, drought conditions are related to public attitudes toward water use regulation, with those living in drought-afflicted counties more likely to support government regulation. This study provides a firm foundation for research attempting to demonstrate that local conditions have a causal effect on public opinion.</p>